The Dallas Stars announced a significant adjustment to their goaltending roster on Saturday. Veteran netminder Casey DeSmith has been granted a personal leave of absence to attend to a family matter. This unexpected development comes as the Stars sit near the summit of the NHL standings, making roster stability crucial.
Immediate Roster Move: Poirier Gets the Call
With a game against the Montreal Canadiens looming and no fixed timeline for DeSmith's return, the Stars front office acted swiftly. To ensure secure depth behind starter Jake Oettinger, the team has recalled goaltender Remi Poirier from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Texas Stars. The 24-year-old Poirier will now serve as Oettinger's primary backup for the foreseeable future.
The organisation stated that DeSmith's situation will be monitored closely in the coming days, but his return date remains uncertain. This move highlights the importance of organisational depth, especially for a team like Dallas, which has been one of the league's most consistent performers this season.
Assessing the Impact of DeSmith's Absence
Casey DeSmith has been a reliable and steadying presence for the Stars during the 2022-2023 campaign. His statistics underscore his value: 9 wins, 2 losses, and 4 overtime losses, complemented by a 2.44 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. His highlights include a shutout victory against the Montreal Canadiens in November and a remarkable 13-game point streak as a starter, cementing his role in one of the NHL's strongest goaltending tandems.
Filling his skates, at least temporarily, is Remi Poirier. The young goalie has been a fixture for the Texas Stars, helping them become regular Calder Cup Playoffs contenders. This season in the AHL, Poirier has posted a 2.77 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. His promotion represents a critical opportunity to prove his mettle at the highest level.
Team Outlook Remains Strong
While DeSmith's absence creates a short-term adjustment, the Stars' position is enviable. The combination of the elite play of starter Jake Oettinger and the organisational readiness of a prospect like Poirier provides a safety net. This depth is vital for Dallas as they aim to maintain their stellar performance and not lose ground in the highly competitive Central Division race.
The call-up of Remi Poirier is a classic next-man-up scenario. It offers him invaluable NHL experience while allowing the team to navigate DeSmith's personal leave without compromising their championship aspirations. The Stars' crease situation will be a key subplot to watch in the days ahead.
